Ausangate Llama express 4d/3n

DURATION

DISTANCE

ALTITUDE

LEVEL

START

FINISH

4 Days / 3 Nights

35 km

3800 msnm – 4800 msnm

moderate – easy if acclimatised

Cusco – Tinqui

Tinqui – Cusco

The Ausangate trek offers some of the most wonderful scenery in the whole of the Cusco area, with many high mountain birds and wildlife and also glaciers and with many high alpine lakes and lagoons. We will trek in front the Ausangate massive glacier here. The high pass in this circuit is over 4,800 metres. As we draw closer to Ausangate mountain (6,380 metres/ 20 926 feet) we become increasingly impressed and can understand fully why the ancient Incas held this spectacular mountain in such high regard. During the whole Ausangate circuit we pass local villages where the people dress in their typical attire and have opportunity to see many alpacas and some llamas.

Day 1: Cusco – Tinqui – Huchuy Upis
We depart Cusco early in the morning for our three hour ride in private transport to the small village of Tinqui (3800 metres/ 12 464 feet). We pass through beautiful countryside and several traditional villages including Urcos, Cattca and Ocangate. After lunch in Tinqui the first 3 hours are a wonderful walk with the great views of magnificent Ausangate. We will trek for 2 hours more until we reach the hot springs at Upis (4,200 metres/ 14232 feet) which offer fantastic views of Ausangate at the end of the valley. We will camp here for the night. Total trekking time this day is 4 hours.
Meals: Lunch, Dinner.

Day 2: From Huchuy Upis to Lagoon Nina Parayoc Q’ocha
During our morning’s trek, we will cross the Huchuy Upis Q’asa pass (4,520 metres/ 15708 feet). From here, we continue 2.5 hours up and down passing two beautiful lagoons where we can see the Ausangate reflection. We reach the turquoise lake Q’omer Q’ocha. We will have our lunch above the lake with striking mountain views. We then ascend and descend passing three more lagoons and arrive at our camp spot close the Oq’he Q’ocha(4,600 metres). Total trekking time this day is approximately 7 hours.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Day 3: From Nina Parayoc Q’ochato Pacchanta
After breakfast, we will head to the highest pass of this hike, the Puca Punta pass (4820 metres/ feet). We will see several different coloured lakes along the way and lunch beside Q’omer Q’ocha lagoon. We hike for 2 more hours and see Andean rabbits and Andean geese before arriving at the small village of Pacchanta. We can soak in the thermal springs for a couple of hours. We will set camp in Pacchanta and you will have the afternoon free to explore this interesting Andean village and buy textiles.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Day 4: From Pacchanta to Cusco

In the morning we will have about 3 hours trek back to Tinqui where we will have time to explore this traditional Andean village before taking our private car back to Cusco, arriving in the evening
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.

IMPORTANT NOTES:

The time of hiking will depend on the group. The guide can change the places for having lunch and camping according to the physical condition of the group.

Each guide has his own way of leading his groups but always his decisions will be for the benefit of the tourists.

The Ausangate region is very high, plus you are close to a snow covered massif. Temperatures are cold, and can fall well below freezing in the nights. You should travel well prepared for cold temperatures. Hire/or carry sleeping bags for temperatures less than freezing (minus 10 celsius or more).

A reasonable level of fitness is required for this hike.

AUSANGATE. This is an adventure trek. To enjoy it in full – bring an open mind, a positive attitude and a good sense of humor.

INCLUDED:

An explanation two days before departing

Transport in private bus to the start of the trek

Transfer to your hotel on return

Meals according to the program (Vegetarian option available)

Boiled water on all days for your bottles

Snacks far walking

Camping tents for 2 and 3 persons depending on the requirements

Inflatable mattress (eg. Thermarest)

Camping equipment, dining tents, kitchen, tables, chairs

Cook and assistant cook

Kitchen/eating utensils

Pack animals (mules and horses) to carry the baggage and equipment

Emergency horse

Wranglers to care for the pack animals

Professional guide who speaks English, Spanish and Quechua

Assistant guide for groups larger than 8 people

Entrance tickets to Ausangate area

First aid equipment and oxygen tank

NOT INCLUDED:

Breakfast the first day

Dinner the last day

Tips for personnel: guide, cook, wranglers (according to their job)

Sleeping bags (they can be rented in the office)

Entrances to hot springs

If you would like to rent an additional horse, the cost is $10 per day

1 small nylon reinforced backpack to carry the things you need for the trek (camera, drinks, etc.)

1 large backpack or suitcase to keep the things you don‘t need in your hotel in Cusco until you return from your trek

Sleeping bag good for -5°C (which can be rented in Cusco)

Small flashlight and extra batteries

1 water bottle (1 liter) or a small plastic throw away bottle

Hiking boots

Tennis shoes

1 jacket (of nylon with hood and water and wind resistant)

1 Fleece Jacket

1 pair of gloves and hat of wool (they can be bought during your trip)

Sleeping bags which can be rented in the office for $5 per day and good for – 10°C.

Professional walking sticks can be rented in the office for $2 per day

Ausangate Llama express 4d/3n – 2015/2016

NUMBER OF PEOPLE IN THE GROUP

2

3

4

5

5+

PRICE PER PERSON IN USD

$ 1,045

$ 760

$ 635

$ 550

ask us for prices

If you wish to travel alone, you need to ask for a private tour, letting us know which date you wish to leave, and you must make your reservation a week ahead of time so that we can organize your tour.

If you wish to go with other people, check our group departures site to join an existing group.

Write to us to make your reservation and we will send you the form and the payment conditions

DISCOUNTS:

Volunteers in Peru: $20 U.S. (with a confirmation of volunteering activities)